Following his death from lung cancer last week, it has been suggested that the cause of Malcolm McLaren’s illness was his contact with asbestos whilst working in the shop he shared with Vivienne Westwood in the 70s.

McLaren was known by many for setting up his ‘SEX’ clothing shop in 1974 with the grand dame of British punk dressing, Vivienne Westwood, where they pushed the boundaries of fashion and supplied the outrageous clothing that dressed an anarchic generation.

But McLaren’s partner Young Kim has suggested that his beloved shop may have been the reason behind his cancer, and in turn his death, after he was exposed to asbestos there for prolonged periods of time, following some DIY renovations.

He decided he wanted the roof to look as though a bomb had hit it and so ripped through some of the ceiling to give this effect. In doing so the asbestos which had previously been unseen became damaged and exposed, which is when it can cause illness. In subsequent years McLaren spent much of his time in the shop, which of course meant he was exposed to asbestos.

Lung Cancer is a common type of cancer linked to those who have been exposed to asbestos over a period of time. It makes breathing difficult as it develops in the tissue around the lungs and so decreased breathing capacity.

McLaren became concerned in his later life that he had developed cancer, and shared his worries with his doctor. Spots were found on his lungs, but the doctor assured McLaren they were benign and it was only in 2009 that he was actually diagnosed with lung cancer. It is unclear whether an earlier diagnosis would have saved his life, but that is certainly what those close to him suspect.

For now McLaren’s friends and family are contemplating life without the pragmatic man, but reports suggest his partner Young Kim is likely to make a complaint about the doctor involved.

Oliver & Co are a Chester solicitor who specialise in claims relating to asbestos. So there site can help if you want to know more about exposure to asbestos.

Illnesses suffered by individuals as a direct result of their working environment are more common than you might think. Unlike injuries, illnesses are less obvious and can develop over an extended period of time.

If you believe that you are suffering from an industrial illness or any other illness, you will need to visit a doctor. Outlined below are a list and brief description of the most popular illnesses caused from working environments.

Asbestos This disease results from inhaling asbestos fibers which aggravate the lungs resulting in scarring of the lungs. The illness can also further develop into Fibrosis. Exposure to Asbestos can also trigger other serious conditions such as Mesothelioma, lung disease and pleural thickening.

Work environments regularly linked to Asbestos disease are Asbestos plants, shipyards, heating and air conditioning firms, industrial chemical plants, schools, railway and electrical industries, chemical laboratories and building and construction. The disease can also indirectly affect individuals; workers in contact with Asbestos generally carried the fibers on the clothes, depositing them in their home and social environments.

You have the right to make a legal claim against Asbestos exposure if you were in contact between 1950-1985

Mesothelioma, Exposure to Asbestos fibers and dust can also cause Mesothelioma cancer, which affects the cells which cover the body’s internal organs. The Cancer usually takes 20 – 50 years to develop.

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) A person suffering from RSI usually suffers from pain in their muscles, nerves and tendons. The condition normally effects the upper parts of the body; the forearm, wrists, elbows,neck, hands and shoulders and is caused from repeatedly undertaking a particular task over a long period of time.

Vibration White Finger Caused from working with vibrating machinery or extended exposure to cold weather. This illness’ symptoms commonly include numb and tingling fingers and the toes, or in the nose and ears. In severe cases a persons fingers will start to turn white. In extreme cases the person can loose there fingers.

Tinnitus Tinnitus sufferers experience ringing, buzzing, humming or whistling noises in the ears and/or head with no external source, the noises vary in pitch, the location in the head can not always be directly pin pointed. generally caused from exposure to loud noise; factory workers working with loud machinery.

If you believe that you are suffering from an illness as a result of your working environment it is standard practice to claim for compensation with a Personal Injury Lawyer. Companies are covered by insurance, for issues that arise like work illness, don’t be afraid to speak out, by doing so you will help to prevent more cases and help to improve working environments.

Want to find out more about mesothelioma compensation, or think you may have an industrial deafness claim then Oliver & Co’s specialist solicitors can help.